Comparison of e-readers

An e-reader, also known as an e-book reader, is a portable electronic device that is designed primarily for the purpose of reading e-books and periodicals. E-readers have a similar form factor to a tablet and usually refers to devices that use electronic paper resulting in better screen readability, especially in bright sunlight, and longer battery life when compared to a tablet. An e-reader's battery will typically last for multiple weeks. In contrast to an e-reader, a tablet has a screen capable of higher refresh rates which make them more suitable for interaction such as playing a video game or watching a video clip.[1]

All electronic paper types offer lower power consumption and better sunlight contrast than LCDs. Some offer a backlight to allow for low-light reading. With the backlight turned off, all have a similar appearance to "ink on paper" and are readable in bright environments.

E ink: E Ink Corporation's 1st generation technology, also known as E Ink Vizplex. Although "eInk" may be used to talk about all electronic paper displays, "eInk" and "E Ink" are trademarked by E Ink, which provides the majority of the electronic paper displays used in devices.

E Ink Pearl: E Ink's 2nd generation technology, which has higher contrast and a greater number of different levels of gray than their earlier technology. A further revision of Pearl is Mobius, which uses flexible plastic in the display.

E Ink Triton: E Ink's 3rd generation technology that featured the ability to show color in the display.

E Ink Carta: E Ink's 4th generation technology, which has higher contrast and a greater number of different levels of gray than their earlier technology and the displays have a pixel density between 212 and 300 ppi.

SiPix: A former competitor to E Ink, which had displays with almost instantaneous page turns. It was acquired by E Ink in December 2012.

LG Flex: Electronic paper that allows for a flexible screen, that is still in development. With these displays, the user is able to bend the e-reader without damaging it and can fold it up to put in a pocket.